OptimalShip's Helpful Shipping Tips

So, you ask, why should I use OptimalShip for my international shipping?

Are you confused by some of the lingo in international shipping? Abbreviations, acronyms, words that look different but mean the same thing…international shipping is tricky business, and the extensive vocabulary one must develop takes time and patience. Don’t worry, everyone must start somewhere, and we’re here to show you where.

All of these abbreviations can be downright confusing in the shipping world, especially when it comes to codes that define your products at the customs borders. Here, we talk a little about the most commonly confused codes and when they're used.

One of the most frustrating things in the shipping process is realizing that you – or a customer – have accidentally shipped a package to the incorrect address, such as an old address. Fortunately, in some circumstances, you can correct this seemingly uncorrectable mistake –if you catch the mistake before the package has been delivered. Depending on what carrier you are using and when you catch the mistake, you do have some options.

If your company is thinking about shipping internationally, you’re probably already shipping domestically. That makes sense; it’s much easier, in almost every country, to start shipping to places within your borders. The rules are consistent within a country and packages get to where they need to go without the hassle of customs and other delays.

How did we ship products without the internet? Before digital media did the work for us, we had to do the work ourselves, and this often involved using our equine companions to assist in our efforts. While we couldn't ship internationally with horses, we certainly made leaps and bounds forward with domestic shipping during the mid-1800's. One of the flagship transportation services, despite its short lifespan, became one of the most recognized mail delivery services in history.

The Pony Express